Ahmad Zahid Hamidi Corruption Case Ends: A Major Shift for Malaysia's Unity Gov
Malaysian prosecutors have ended the 47-charge corruption case against Deputy PM Ahmad Zahid Hamidi due to insufficient evidence, sparking debate over political stability.
47 charges, but zero convictions. Malaysian prosecutors have officially closed the corruption case against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, citing insufficient evidence. The move marks a significant victory for the UMNO leader but casts a long shadow over Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's reformist credentials.
AGC Decision: Why the Ahmad Zahid Hamidi Corruption Case Dismissed Now
The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) announced yesterday that it'll take no further action regarding the alleged misuse of funds at Zahid's charitable foundation. Despite a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) granted in September 2023 to allow for deeper investigation, prosecutors now claim the available evidence doesn't support a continuation of the case.
Political Stability vs. The Rule of Law
Critics aren't buying the prosecution's explanation. The anti-corruption group Bersih stated that this verdict brings the Anwar administration's integrity into "serious doubt." Analysts suggest that the need to ensure UMNO's continued support within the unity government likely influenced the decision-making process.
The timing is particularly sensitive as UMNO prepares for its annual general assembly on January 14. With former PM Najib Razak recently sentenced to 15 years for the 1MDB scandal, internal pressure for UMNO to distance itself from Anwar has been growing. Securing Zahid's freedom may be the price for keeping the coalition intact until the 2028 election.
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